Latest PCB prototype
Added 2022-02-05 01:29:36 +0000 UTCIt's a dumb trickle charger that very slowly trickles your cells at a low enough current (30mA) to comply with the manufacturers continuous trickle charge specification.
This means that high capacity cells will take literally days to charge, but will be guaranteed to be charged to the absolute hilt. It will also charge the higher resistance cells that most smart chargers reject or end the charge prematurely.
It's powered by a micro USB connector and has pads to allow several modules to be cascaded in a rack.
Comments
I think the main reason companies put in quite aggressive shut-off circuitry is to prevent an abused battery from being jump started and potentially failing. It could make it look like the company had put out a defective battery and caused a fire.
Big Clive
2022-02-17 17:58:02 +0000 UTCBased on your excellent work here. Do you think that 'Battery Repair Blocking' should be made illegal? I can't find a company capable of repairing my son's bike batteries, and having watched this, I can see why. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mkum7G-0vWg&t=41s
Andrew Donaldson
2022-02-17 17:40:57 +0000 UTCThat looks good Clive.
Tony Weavers
2022-02-09 11:45:10 +0000 UTCExcellent,I shall await your progress in eager expectation.
Mick Spanner
2022-02-07 14:06:00 +0000 UTCJust waiting on the first PCBs arriving.
Big Clive
2022-02-06 05:12:50 +0000 UTCYes AA holders, but I may get some AAA holders too and make the design more versatile.
Big Clive
2022-02-06 05:12:31 +0000 UTCGood another excuse to get the photoresist out.
2022-02-05 19:30:43 +0000 UTCExcellent! - thanks, Clive. Looking forward to building a few of these. Still under test?
2022-02-05 15:20:16 +0000 UTCNice - definitely will have a go at making one. Are the +- pads spaced to fit AA cell holders?
Paul Kemp
2022-02-05 06:43:26 +0000 UTCJust what I need. Looks like an excellent idea.
Lorcán Adrain
2022-02-05 06:42:10 +0000 UTCIf it works I'll put the PCB file up so you can order a set if five. It's cheaper than me posting one.
Big Clive
2022-02-05 03:49:44 +0000 UTCI know the shipping wouldnt work for a physical one, but Id download and then order some for sure.
Myrk
2022-02-05 02:11:20 +0000 UTCThis is something I would certainly be very interested in getting. Are they available from you or is it something one would have to get made oneself? Best regards, Paul
Paul Amos
2022-02-05 02:03:12 +0000 UTCi use a pair of NIMH rechargeable in my ear protectors at work, got tired of wasting batteries tossing them to left and right and this would be a tempting idea. I have two pairs, i think they were 2300mah each(or so, i forget) from a local shop.
Orkekum
2022-02-05 01:56:25 +0000 UTC
